Julius R. Nasso Productions Announces New Feature Film - The Christmas Pearl - Starring And Executive Produced By Whoopi Goldberg And Directed By Felix Alcala

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Julius R. Nasso Productions has announced its latest project - The Christmas Pearl, based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name. Originally authored by Dorothea Benton Frank, with screenplay by Anne Rapp – best known for her work on This is Spinal Tap, He's Just Not That Into You, and The Green Hornet - this light-hearted, delightful holiday classic will be an entertaining film for the whole family.

Based around the 93-year-old matriarch, Theodora, the story focuses on her struggles with her South Carolina family who she has described as "truculent knuckleheads." Plenty of strain and fighting amongst family members set up a tension-filled Christmas gathering at Theodora's stately South Carolina home, and the matriarch aches for the extravagant, homey holidays of her childhood. When Theodora's usual maid is called away, a Christmas miracle presents itself to the family when Pearl, played by Goldberg, comes back to the family as a ghost, ready to bring order back to the house.

Goldberg, who stars in the upcoming Lifetime movie, "A Day Late and a Dollar Short," as well as the feature films "Big Stone Gap" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and her partner Tom Leonardis will executive produce the film along with Jeff Sackman. The film will also be produced by Jeff Kranzdorf, David Belafonte, and Julius R. Nasso. Production is set to begin in June 2014 and will take place in both New York City and South Carolina.

The Christmas Pearl will be directed by the high-profile movie and television director Felix Alcala, who has been critically acclaimed for his work in Criminal Minds, The Good Wife, Suits, Covert Affairs, and The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three. Rounding out the extremely talented team is former President of Lions Gate Films and Founder of ThinkFilm, Jeff Sackman. Sackman is a leader in the entertainment and film industry with a distinguished career as a producer.

"The Christmas Pearl is a beautiful, southern Christmas story that will make the whole family believe in miracles," stated Nasso. "The talent that we have in front of, and behind the cameras is so impressive, audiences will connect with the characters on a deep emotional level, laughing and crying along with them in every scene."

About Julius R. Nasso Productions

For the past 35 years Julius R. Nasso (Jules) has produced films that appeal to every demographic. Nasso is a renowned producer who earned critical acclaim for his box-office hit action movies such as "The Patriot," "Under Siege ll," "Hard to Kill," Award winning "NARC,"  "Fire Down Below," and Harry Belafonte's "SING YOUR SONG." Beginning his career in film production over three decades ago under the tutelage of renowned director Sergio Leone, Nasso later established a partnership with Warner Brothers Studios. A long string of Nasso produced hits have grossed nearly three quarters of a billion dollars worldwide.

SOURCE Julius R. Nasso Productions